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First ever international soccer match at Busch Stadium announced

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Press Release |

ST. LOUIS - Two of the most storied English Premier League clubs Manchester City and Chelsea, announced today that they will travel to St. Louis for an exhibition match this Spring. The teams will meet on Thursday, May 23rd at Busch Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM CST (#socceratbusch).

"We are honored to host this historic match," said Bill DeWitt III, President of the Cardinals. "This is a wonderful opportunity for St. Louisans to see some of the best soccer players in the world."

This is the first professional, non-baseball sporting event hosted at the new Busch Stadium. "We look forward to showcasing the versatility of Busch Stadium as a multi-use sports venue," DeWitt said.

"Passion and excitement for soccer in the United States continues to grow exponentially and we're proud to bring two of the most recognized teams in Europe to such an iconic venue in Busch Stadium," said Charlie Stillitano, CEO of Relevent Sports.

Manchester City, the 2012 Premier League Champions and five-time FA Cup winner returns to North America for the first time since their 2011 summer pre-season tour. City traveled to Los Angeles, Vancouver and San Francisco, winning games against the Galaxy, Whitecaps and Club America (Mexico City) respectively. Featuring stars with countless European and international caps including Ivorian Yaya Toure, Spaniard David Silva and Argentine Sergio Aguero, City has skyrocketed to the highest echelons of English soccer.

"The summer visit to St Louis is tremendously exciting for Manchester City Football Club," said Ferran Soriano, Chief Executive for Manchester City Football Club. "The Club's first US tour was in 2010 and we have continued to develop a close relationship with our fans in North America ever since. You will now find Manchester City soccer fields in some of the most deserving communities of New York, Miami, LA and Chicago, and loyal supporters clubs in major cities across the continent. All the first team players are really looking forward to the opportunity to play in the iconic Busch stadium, and bringing Manchester City even closer to their North American fans."

Chelsea is one of the most successful teams in England with four Premier League titles and seven FA Cups. The Blues also boast two UEFA Cup Championships, one UEFA Super Cup and one UEFA Champions League title. In 2012 Chelsea, with the help of Spaniards Juan Mata and Fernando Torres, as well as English International and three-time Chelsea Player of the Year, Frank Lampard, became the first London club to win the Champions League.

"It's an excellent opportunity for the club to be able to return to America so quickly after our successful tour there last July," said Chelsea Chief Executive Ron Gourlay. "The club and the players have enjoyed regularly traveling to the US and also helping to create long-term growth and sustainability of soccer in the country through our super club network. We will face the strongest opposition in Manchester City and I am sure we will provide a competitive and entertaining match in St Louis."

Tickets start at $30 and go on sale April 2 at 10AM CST at cardinals.com/Soccer or the Busch Stadium Box Office. There will be a limit of 8 tickets per purchase. A special pre-sale will be held April 1st for Cardinals Season Ticket holders. Additional details can be found at cardinals.com/soccer. Be sure to join the conversation with #socceratbusch.

About Manchester City Football Club

Informally known as "The Blues" or "The Citizens", Manchester City FC is an English Premier League side, founded in 1880 as St Mark's West Gorton. The Club currently holds the title of Premier League champions and has won 25 major trophies. It counts the European Cup Winners' Cup, three League Championship titles, and five FA Cups amongst its honors. Under manager Roberto Mancini, the Club plays its domestic home fixtures at the Etihad Stadium, a spectacular 47,500 seat arena, which the Blues made their home following the successful Commonwealth Games in 2003. For more information, please visit www.mcfc.co.uk.

About Relevent Sports

Relevent Sports brings the excitement and intensity of international soccer to the United States by showcasing the best clubs in the world through premier tournaments and events. Going beyond the game, Relevent provides an innovative approach to building international soccer presence by utilizing brand development, grassroots planning, corporate sponsors, international touring and philanthropic initiatives for the soccer organizations.